Summer is here, FNites! Say hello to the season of scorching heat, teeny tiny clothing, and relaxing getaways. By this time, you've probably splurged on a sexy new bikini and booked a trip to a resort or beach-front hotel where you can splash your cares away. It's truly days like these when we can't help but appreciate living in a tropical country.

But before you dip your toes into the cool water or frolick on the sand, you still have to reckon with a few other things to ensure you look your absolute best. Here are 4 prettifying things to do before you hit the water, plus products to try.

Looking to buy? Use our store directory for easy shopping:

• A'kin, Bobbi Brown, Deborah Lippman, Essie, Murad, and Phyto are available at Rustan's Department Stores in Makati, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Alabang Town Center, Gateway, and Ayala Center Cebu.
• Avon is available exclusively through Avon Representatives nationwide. Don’t have an Avon Lady yet? Log on to www.avon.com.ph to find out how to contact an Avon Representative.
• Beach Hut, Dove, Hawaiian Tropic, Neutrogena, and Nivea are available at leading supermarkets, beauty stores, and department stores nationwide.
• Brazilian Bare is located at Heaven on the 5th, Rustan's Makati.
• California Nails and Day Spa is located at SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Galleria, Market! Market!, and Greenhills Shoppesville, among others. Check this directory for the complete list of branches.
• Human Nature is available at Beauty Bar and online. You can also check for the branch nearest you via this store directory.
• Kiehl's is available at Greenbelt 5, Alabang Town Center, Trinoma, and SM Mall of Asia.
• Lay Bare is located at Eastwood Cybermall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Marikina, SM Fairview, Alabang Town Center, Glorietta 3, Market! Market!, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Place Manila, and The Podium, among others. Check this directory for the complete list of branches.
• L'Occitane is available at Power Plant Mall, Rustan's Makati, Rustan's Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Marionnaud SM Mall of Asia, and Trinoma.
• MAC is available at Power Plant Mall, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Glorietta 3, and Marionnaud SM Mall of Asia.
• Orly is available at Purebeauty Serendra, Marionnaud SM Mall of Asia, First Aid Greenbelt, PCX Rockwell, PCX Ermita, PCX Alabang Town Center, Watsons Greenbelt 5, Watsons Ayala Cebu, Beauty by SM at SM Makati, Beauty by SM at SM Megamall, Beauty by SM at SM Fairview, Landmark-Trinoma, Beauty Cocktails Glorietta 4, and Robinsons Department Store Ermita.
• Palladio and Supergoop! are available at Beauty Bar stores nationwide. Check this store directory for the branch nearest you.
• Strip Ministry of Waxing is located at Serendra and Greenbelt 5.
• The Body Shop is available at Power Plant Mall, Market! Market!, Trinoma, SM Makati, Eastwood Mall, and Greenhills Shopping Center, among others. You may check this directory for the complete list of stores.
• VMV Hypoallergenics is available at Alabang Town Center, Robinsons Galleria, Bonifacio High Street, Trinoma, Power Plant Mall, Glorietta 3, and Ayala Center Cebu.

(First published in the March 2009 issue of Marie Claire Philippines, Beauty section as "Get Pool Perfect;" model photos by Danilo Hess; hair and skincare by Jigs Mayuga; hair by Vianney Guese; adapted for use in Female Network)